Illinois locks in offensive, defensive coordinators
Illinois might’ve kept its interim head coach, Bill Cubit.
But since then, four coaches left the program. The latest personnel moves involved a changing of the guard on offense and defense.
Multiple sources reported that defensive coordinator Tim Banks is leaving the team to pursue other opportunities. As a result, Illinois promoted co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Mike Phair to defensive coordinator.
Phair spent his first season with the Illini after he was fired as the defensive line coach of the Chicago Bears. He’ll take the full reigns of a unit that finished 32nd in FBS in total defense.
Sports Illustrated also reported that Cubit’s son, Ryan Cubit, will take over as offensive coordinator. Ryan Cubit was the quarterbacks coach in 2015. He, however, will not call plays. Those duties will still go to Bill Cubit.
The moves came after the team fired special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Alex Golesh and inside linebackers coach Mike Ward at season’s end.
As it stands, here’s a look at the Illini coaching staff:
Head coach: Bill Cubit
Offensive coordinator/QB coach: Ryan Cubit
Defensive coordinator: Mike Phair
Running backs coach: Nathan Scheelhaase
Wide receivers coach: Mike Bellamy
Tight ends coach/special teams coach: Jeff Hecklinski
Offensive line coach: A.J. Ricker
Outside linebackers coach: Al Seamonson
8th assistant spot: n/a
9th assistant spot: n/a